Fibroblasts help cancer cells grow in the brain and resist treatment.
Official title: Fibroblasts Support the Growth of Brain Metastasis by Rendering Cancer Cells Resistant to Chemotherapy and Inducing Immunosuppression in Tumor Microenvironment
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11088164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the body, called fibroblasts, help lung cancer spread to the brain and may make it harder for treatments to work, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients with brain metastases feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276273-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to the brain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain metastases from cancers other than lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fibroblasts, a type of cell found in connective tissue, contribute to the growth of brain metastases from lung cancer. The study focuses on a specific growth factor produced by these fibroblasts that may protect cancer cells from chemotherapy and create an environment that suppresses the immune response. By understanding these mechanisms, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with brain metastases. The research involves laboratory experiments to analyze the interactions between fibroblasts and cancer cells in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for patients with brain metastases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting similar mechanisms in primary brain tumors, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Zeng-Jie — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yang, Zeng-Jie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.